Dress for Success Miami Presents Dress to Impress III Charity Gala and Fundraiser

Models stomped the runway during the Dress for Success Miami’s Gala Kick-off Luncheon at Neiman Marcus on Oct. 7 in Miami Beach, but that was only the beginning. On Saturday, Oct. 23, Dress for Success Miami fetes fashion to benefit disadvantaged women seeking employment in South Florida at its 2010 annual benefit gala to take place at EPIC Hotel.

The Dress to Impress III charity gala and fundraiser, hosted by Louise Roe, fashion journalist and celebrity presenter, and presented by co-chairs Amaris Jones, founder and CEO of Elite Home and Lifestyle Management; Rosie Gordon-Wallace, founder and director of the not-for-profit Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator; Simi Diskin, philanthropist; Saddy Delgado, founder of Avatar Luxury Real Estate Co.; and Adrienne Williams, fiancée of Miami Heat’s Chris Bosh, melds fashion, live and silent auctions, entertainment and gourmet cuisine into one elegant evening.

”I am excited to be part of an organization that promotes economic independence for disadvantaged women. Women are the heart of the community and it’s a passion of mine to see that we continue to support, uplift and encourage these women,” says event co-chair Adrienne Williams.

The gala will open with a Moet cocktail reception and silent auction at 7 p.m., followed by the main event at 8 p.m. where Miami’s celebrity DJ Irie will provide the evening’s entertainment. Live and silent auctions will feature opportunities to bid on exclusive experiences, such as VIP, all-inclusive trips to the 2011 Grammy awards, the 2011 ESPYS and the chance to attend a live taping of “Dancing With the Stars.” Attendees will also have the chance to snag a $5,000 Neiman Marcus shopping spree and a Royal Caribbean cruise.

The night will pay tribute to Ken Downing, senior vice president and fashion director of Neiman Marcus stores, for his generous support of Dress for Success over the years.

“With our honoree, Ken Downing and presenting sponsors Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Comcast, they are giving Dress for Success Miami an incredible awareness and fund-raising opportunity with our Dress to Impress event. We believe the message that everyone has the right to attain economic self-sufficiency will resonate powerfully in our community and encourage others to give back,” Sonia Jacobson, executive director Dress for Success Miami, says. “We are humbled and honored by the generosity and passion of these wonderful companies and philanthropic leaders.”

Further support for the event has been garnered from Diageo, Baptist Health South Florida, Ciroc, Neiman Marcus, and media sponsors, our very own Haute Living Magazine and HauteLiving.com.

Since 1994, Dress for Success Miami has assisted more than 30,000 women re-entering the workforce, providing them with professional attire, employment training and skills, and a network of support to help women thrive in work and life. Haute Living proudly supports the Dress for Success Miami mission to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women. All of the evening’s proceeds will support this mission. Support the cause by attending this fashionably unforgettable evening, or by making a tax-deductible contribution to Dress for Success Miami.

To learn more about Dress to Impress III, or how you can support Dress for Success Miami, visit www.dressforsuccess.org.

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